Anchored by the top two fastest growing cities, Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina’s economy continued to grow right along with the population according to a June 5, 2012 release from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The state’s economy outpaced 35 other states, growing 1.8 percent in 2011. North Carolina’s real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at twice the rate of the overall growth seen in the Southeast, which was reported at 0.9 percent. North Carolina’s growth was also slightly above the national growth rate of 1.5 percent.
Percent Change in Real GDP by State, 2011 via U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Continued healthy economic growth depends in part on comprehensive, global market access. Businesses within North Carolina can easily access a broad range of markets in North America and around the globe. The state’s rail system is supported by more than 20 carriers, including CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern, and provides service to 22 states in the eastern half of the country as well as connections extending to the ports of Wilmington and Morehead City.
North Carolina also boasts the second largest highway system in the nation, spanning more than 98,000 miles and with access to some of the country’s primary transportation arteries. Four major airports also provide more than 1,000 daily departures and non-stop service to over 100 domestic and international destinations, rounding out the state’s comprehensive global reach.